All of our 20ft used containers for sale are inspected when they arrive at the depot to ensure fully wind/ watertight and up to the industry standard. Used units have typically been used within the shipping industry on container ships to transport goods around the world, once they reach a certain age shipping lines release them for resale in the used market, any that pass the inspection are good for many years more use.

20ft long x 8ft wide x 8ft 6" high - 20-foot containers are one of the 2 industry standard sizes, because of this, they are often the most cost-effective option when looking for a used container. Used 20ft's are amongst the cheapest shipping containers you can buy. We always have extensive stocks, all available for delivery throughout the UK (or you can collect from our depots if you prefer). Second-hand 20ft's are our most popular product as they offer superb cost per square ft storage and are great for conversion projects.

20 foot Container Construction

Used 20ft units are manufactured using high-quality cor-ten steel, which is designed to stand up to the harsh rigours of sea conditions. We would expect a properly maintained used container to last you in excess of 15 years from the date of purchase from us. Our second-hand shipping containers are typically 10 – 15 years old from date of manufacture, the double doors will be fully operational and the door seals fully intact to prevent any water ingress. Flooring is formed from 27mm hardwood.

Each container is usually picked from the depot on a 'next from stack' basis, so the external paint colour of each unit will vary.

If you require your used container for shipping overseas, we can update the details on the CSC plate. Please advise us if this is a requirement when ordering.

Container Security

To improve the security of your unit we can provide your container with a lock-box (a steel box welded on the double doors to enclose a padlock thus making is less tamper proof) and a high-security padlock. We can also paint the unit and provide many other extras.

Your Container Delivery

Unless otherwise specified, we will deliver your box on a HIAB assisted vehicle so that we can lift the unit to ground where you need it - if you are able to offload your container when we deliver it to your location please let our sales team know - this may reduce the delivery cost if we can deliver using a different type of vehicle. Please be sure to provide us with your exact delivery postcode on the enquiry form below, also please let us know if there are any access restrictions at or near your delivery location which could affect the successful delivery of your container. For more info on our delivery process click here.

20-ft Conversions

Used 20ft Containers are a great choice if you're looking to convert your container, these 20ft used units are amongst the cheapest shipping containers available - so offer a great price point for starting a conversion project. Used containers are always structurally sound, wind and watertight so provide a great starting point - at a cost-effective price, ideal if you're planning on repainting or cladding your container anyway. If you are looking for someone to complete a bespoke conversion project for you - we also modify 20ft units to specification! Check out our conversions page to see what we have done before. Typical 20ft conversions include the installation of personnel doors, windows, dry lining and installation of electrics - but many conversion options are available.

The internal dimensions of the containers may vary slightly depending on the construction.

The sides of a container are in nearly all cases, corrugated. The depth of the corrugation is usually 1 inch (25mm), which means that 2 inches (50mm) is lost from the external width dimension, giving an internal width of 7 feet 10 inches (2.38 meters).

The back (blank end) of the container is also corrugated and the doors are around 2 inches (50mm) thick meaning that approximately 3 inches (75mm) is lost from the length, giving an internal length of 19 feet 9 inches (6.02 meters).

The main reduction from external to internal dimensions is with height. The floor of a standard container has an underside clearance of approximately 6 inches (150mm) and the floor has a thickness of 27mm (1.1 inches). As the roof is corrugated another 1 inch (25mm) is lost resulting in an internal dimension of around 8 inches less than external – 7ft 10 inches (2.39 meters), though this can vary slightly depending on the flooring material used.

Through the door height is further reduced because of the steel top rail above the door which is a part of the structural integrity of the container, this is 4 inches (100mm) thus reducing the entrance height of a standard 20ft container to 7ft 6ins (2.28 meters), though this can vary slightly either way.

20ft External Dimensions

Imperial

Metric

Length

20 feet

6.1 meters

Width

8 feet

2.44 meters

Height

8 feet 6 inches

2.59 meters

20ft Internal Dimensions

Imperial

Metric

Length

19 feet 9 inches

6.02 meters

Width

7 feet 10 inches

2.38 meters

Height

7 feet 10 inches

2.39 meters

Q. What is the internal capacity of a 20ft container?

The internal storage capacity of a used 20ft is approx 33.2 cubic meters or 1,170 cubic feet.

Q. How much does a 20ft shipping container weigh?

There are three relevant weights relating to containers, the Tare Weight, the Gross Weight and the Payload (Net) Weight.

These are painted onto the outside of the container doors when it is in shipping service or before it has been repainted for another application.

The Container Tare Weight is the weight of the container without cargo or contents.

The Container Gross Weight is the weight of the container plus the maximum payload it can hold i.e. the maximum total weight of the container.

The Payload (or Net Weight) is the weight of the cargo or contents that a container can hold.

Typical 20 foot Container Weights

Imperial

Metric

Max Gross Weight

67,200 lbs

30,480 kg*

Tare Weight

4,780 lbs

2,170 kg

Payload (Net) Weight

62,420 lbs

28,310 kg

*some 20ft units are constructed to a lower specification - these lower grade containers have a max gross weight of 24,000kg

Q. Where are 20-ft containers manufactured?

New Containers are typically manufactured in China, they then being life as shipping containers, typically used for several years before being re-sold on from various ports/container depots.

The date each container was originally manufactured is clearly stated on the CSC plate, located on the double doors.

Q. What are shipping containers made of?

20ft units are constructed using high quality weathering cor-ten steel which is designed to stand up to the harsh rigours of sea conditions. Due to the harsh environment they are all manufactured to a high standard and are both wind and water tight to protect their cargo.

Cor-ten steel is a corrosion resistant weathering steel, used within many industries.

High quality rubber seals are used to prevent water ingress through the double-doors.

The internal flooring is typically formed from 27mm hardwood.

Q. How long will a shipping container last?

This will depend on how you use your container and the environment it's situated in.

A well cared for unit should last for many years (15+) after its re-sale date - see our care instructions for more information on caring for your container.

Q. How will my 20 foot container be delivered?

In order to offer the best possible price, we'll source your container from the depot offering the best price.

Your container will then typically be delivered from the depot on a HIAB Lorry. The lorry mounted craine will then be used to place your container on the pre-prepared location.

Please ensure you have prepared the ground prior to your container being delivered.

Please be sure to provide us with your delivery postcode as part of your initial enquiry so we can accurately estimate delivery costs.

Q. Do I need to prepare the ground before my container is delivered?

Yes - Your container should to be placed on a flat level surface.

For uneven surfaces we recommend using paving slabs to create a level the surface.

We recommend using paving slabs to allow the four corner castings of your container to sit on a solid level base.

An uneven surface can result in the container not sitting straight, this can mean the container doors may not fully open and can cause the container body to twist.

The area for your shipping container will need to be prepared before our delivery driver arrives on site.

With our delivery drivers using a HIAB lorry, please check for any overhead cables as this can mean that the HIAB cannot extend its lifting arm out to lift the container to the ground.

If you are unsure if the HIAB lorry will have sufficient space to unload your container - please make us aware of any restrictions before placing your order.

Q. Can I collect my container?

Yes - please let us know if you are able to collect from one of our depots. Please note that unit prices do often vary from depot to depot so this could affect the price we are able to offer.

Q. How do I look after my container?

Caring for a container is mostly common sense, but there are a few things you can do to keep your box in a good condition.

Ensure the contents of your container are dry and moisture free before you put them inside - this will help reduce moisture build up inside your container.

Regularly check the double end door hinges and locking bars, apply oil to lubricate the hinges and locking bars to keep them moving freely.

Try to keep a little space free at the top of the unit and down the sides to allow the air to circulate. This helps heat to disperse and prevent moisture.

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Container Containerhttps://www.containercontainer.com/assets/image/containercontainer-logo.jpg£400 - £20000
ContainerContainer are an independant supplier of quality shipping containers, secure stores and container conversions throughout the uk.
The Manor House, West EndSedgefield, County DurhamTS21 2BW0844 561 7975enquiries@containercontainer.comhttps://www.containercontainer.com/20ft-used-shipping-containerFBTwitterGoogle+54.766312016-02-04 12:45:20No Problems. Good service. Would use again551Anon 2016-02-04 12:49:01Painless, having never bought such a thing before, from sales to delivery everything was easy and well done!551Anon 2016-02-04 13:04:30Excellent service efficient. Container was as stated like new single use. Delivery also without hitch and very good.
Would buy from this company again. Highly recommended. Searched Internet. This company was the best not only for quality containers but for price also. 551Anon 2016-02-04 13:07:29All worked fine. Did not need the stickers but we'll spray them over!541Anon 2016-02-04 13:14:50From first contact for a quote right through to delivery communication was very good. Pricing was competitive and I was pleased with the service.541Anon 2016-02-04 13:17:11everything went well...container as anticipated541Anon 2016-02-04 13:57:40Very easy process, good price, greatcustomer service and the container arrived on time and in excellent condition.551Anon 2016-02-04 14:15:13Sales transaction straightforward. Delivery deftly executed. Recommended.551Anon 2016-02-04 14:20:51Prompt delivery, obliging driver to place in required spot. Good finish to product which is of a good quality - used for Theatre set storage.551Anon 2016-02-04 14:20:58all went well good service all round thank you 541Anon